Video summary

OBSBOT Tail 2 | How to Control Tail 2 with PTZ Controller

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Overview (what the video teaches)

A step-by-step guide to control an OBSBOT Tail 2 PTZ camera using a PTZ camera controller, specifically the Avan’s Power Joy PTZ controller. It presents two connection methods and demonstrates setup, video preview, camera control features, and preset/autotracking options.

Method 1: Network-based control (VISCA over IP)

Required hardware / setup

  • Tail 2 with an Ethernet port (supports PoE+ via Ethernet; powering via PoE is optional).
  • PTZ controller with Ethernet (RJ45) (PoE on controller is also optional for the demo).
  • Ethernet switch (e.g., TP-Link 8-port used conceptually) to connect:
    • router/modem → switch → controller + one or more cameras
  • Mobile “Obsbot Start” app to read/configure Tail 2 network settings.

Configuration steps (camera and controller)

  1. Connect camera and controller to the same network (same subnet).
  2. In Obsbot Start:
    • Check camera IP under About Device → Network
    • Use the wired IP address (example shown: 192.168.2.242)
    • Ensure DHCP/auto IP is enabled if needed.
  3. On the PTZ controller:
    • Run factory reset (to start clean).
    • Enable DHCP for controller network (example controller IP: 192.168.2.250).
    • In Inquiry:
      • Set Camera ID and Camera name (example: “Tail 2”, camera number 1).
      • Select protocol “Sony VISCA” (network VISCA over IP).
      • Enter Preview URL using the Tail 2 RTSP stream:
        • RTSP enabled in the Obsbot Start app (enabling RTSP warns that UVC/NDI/SRT/live streaming won’t be available).
        • Compose URL using RTSP IP + stream path (example: rtsp://192.168.2.242/stream1).
      • Set the required VISCA port on the controller (example: 52381 for the VISCA IP mapping).
      • Connect and confirm “Connected successfully”.

RTSP + preview requirements / constraints

  • The controller can display live preview using RTSP.
  • The Tail 2 app should be set to 1080p for RTSP and not 4K (repeated as an important rule).

Camera controls available (via VISCA over IP)

  • PTZ control: pan/tilt/zoom.
  • Advanced controls demonstrated:
    • Auto white balance / one-push white balance
    • Auto exposure / manual exposure (shutter control)
    • Auto focus / manual focus
    • Gain control (described as ISO)
  • Limitation mentioned:
    • Iris/aperture control is not available (“camera is built this way”).

Presets and custom function buttons

  • The controller supports saving and calling presets (example: preset numbers 1–3).
  • Mentions custom function buttons tied to OBSBOT VISCA command packets:
    • Example: assign F7 to start autotracking and F6 to stop autotracking (based on command packets from OBSBOT’s website).

Claimed benefits of the VISCA over IP approach

  • Standardized protocol for compatibility with “most” professional PTZ controllers/cameras.
  • Low latency
  • Multi-camera control on the same network
  • Preset reliability and easy setup once configured

Method 2: Serial-based control (RS232)

Required hardware / setup

  • Tail 2 RS232 ports:
    • RS232 input and RS232 output
  • RS232 cable included with Tail 2 (Tail 2 side connector to controller side mini-D).
  • DB9 cable/adapter (screw-in DB9 connection to the controller).
  • Serial link uses protocols supported over RS232:
    • VISCA (standard VISCA)
    • Pelco P
    • Pelco D
  • In the Obsbot Start app, set Control Protocol → Auto
    • Example default values shown:
      • VISCA address = 1
      • Pelco P address = 1
      • Pelco D address = 1
      • baud rate = 9600

Configuration steps on controller

  1. In controller Inquiry:
    • Assign camera to camera ID #2 (example) and give it a name (example: “232”).
  2. Select protocol:
    • First demo: VISCA
    • Then switch to Pelco P
    • Then switch to Pelco D
  3. Set RTSP preview URL similarly (RTSP mode still needed to show preview on controller).
  4. For serial protocol settings:
    • VISCA address / Pelco address typically set to 1
    • baud rate 9600
    • serial port = RS232
  5. Connect and confirm “Connected successfully”.
  6. Demonstrate PTZ pan/tilt/zoom control and preview.

Controls available over RS232 by protocol

  • VISCA over RS232:
    • PTZ control.
    • Advanced camera controls demonstrated similarly to network mode:
      • gain, auto exposure, manual focus, autofocus
    • Shows adjusting focus speed (via controller).
  • Pelco P / Pelco D over RS232:
    • PTZ control + camera speed adjustments:
      • panel shows pan/tilt speed and zoom speed tuning
    • Explicit limitations noted:
      • White balance and exposure were not supported (“not supported” shown on gain/shutter/white balance controls)
      • Manual focus/autofocus appears limited:
        • manual focus works, but returning to autofocus may require app interaction (observed behavior)

Daisy-chaining / expansion using RS232 output

  • The video explains serial daisy chaining:
    • Use RS232 output from Tail 2 to RS232 input of another Tail 2, allowing multiple cameras without network.

Presets

  • The controller can store and recall presets under serial connections as well (example presets 1–3 demonstrated).

Claimed benefits of RS232 serial control

  • Plug-and-play without network/IT setup.
  • Low latency due to direct hardwired connection.
  • More reliable where no IT infrastructure exists.
  • Resistant to network issues like:
    • dropouts, IP conflicts, router problems

Main speakers / sources

  • Primary speaker/host: the YouTube presenter (unidentified by name in subtitles).
  • Products referenced (sources for features/behavior):
    • OBSBOT (Tail 2 features, VISCA command packet references, OBSBOT website)
    • Obsbot Start app (used for IP/RTSP/control protocol settings)
    • Avan’s Power Joy PTZ camera controller (controller menu/inquiry/protocol/preview setup)

Original video